Affordable Mecca Max Must Haves
Mecca Max might have been the most underrated affordable beauty brand of our time- but it’s gotten some flak lately (I’ll address that later in this write up).
I think the initial scepticism is due to the clunky association we have with home brands- but Mecca Max was the first home brand to really elevate the no frills reputation, in my humble oppinion.
This was achieved by marketing to a specific target audience: young, Australian women.
Pair that with their focus on key ingredients that work, a fair pricepoint and borrow some of the presteige and fun that comes with shopping in Mecca- ta-da!
Mecca Max is now starting to get the recognition it deserves as a brand, with picks often going viral across social media.
You will often see this brand sprawled across my grid, but here I’m going to collate my top picks- here’s what I’ve been using for years.
Lip Products From Mecca Max I’ve Repurchased Multiple Times
Here’s a throw back post from 4.5-ish years ago, because that’s where we are going to start!
I think it is so significant that even with all the formulation breakthroughs, innovation and exciting brand launches- the Mecca Max Lip products have stood the test of time wonderfully.
MECCA MAX Gloss Boss Lip Gloss, $20.00
The glosses are nothing but high end, truly. No notes-oh wait. One note.
The glosses themselves are a lil’ small. It caused a lot more than a lil’ controversy on TikTok a while back. You can see that saga here if you don’t mind going down the rabbit hole.
It’s pretty clear where I stand on it all, having repurchased my picks from the Mecca Max range more times than I can count.
In my humble opinion: Sometimes a lower price point entry, even if there’s less product, makes something more accessible.
My honest review of the glosses is they give luxury brands a run for their money.
MECCA MAX Gloss Boss Lip Gloss, $20.00
They’re soft on the lips and thin, elegant, beautiful wear down, perfectly pigmented (for my prefrences) and I kid you not- when I wear my holy grail shade “base line”, I always get asked what I’m wearing on my lips. I’m talking strangers.
I really believe it’s because of it’s ability to smooth over any lines on my lips, and it’s a not too pink nude on my skin tone. Stunning.
Shade “loud and proud” also tickles something in my brain, although I don’t reach for it as much.
MECCA MAX Pout Pop Sheer Lipstick, $23.00
Finishing lip products is truly a wonderful feeling when you have a worryingly large collection like I do. Sorry that’s out of touch- but it is a reality for many beauty writers and bloggers.
The fact that I reach for this affordable pick and have it getting scuffed in my handbag daily to the point of unrecognisable says a lot.
It’s a beautiful, long lasting, hydrating product with a faint apricot scent that never ever fails me.
Honestly- it’s everything I wanted the Clinique almost lipsticks to be!
MECCA MAX Pout Pencil, $16.00
The Lip Pencils are creamy but not too soft as they’re in a pencil casing- which is usually a good sign for me in terms of texture for lip liners.
I tend to find twist ups with plastic casings are super creamy, which is sometimes what we’re going for, think: Huda beauty and Rare Beauty lip liners- but they tend to be a bit harder to get a really crisp, waxy line that stays around all day.
Other lip liners with a pencil casing can be too rough, almost sharp to drag over delicate lips, and pigment is stubborn to deposit where you want it.
Well, this baby is the bessssst of both worlds.
MECCA MAX Pout Pencil, $16.00
So significant in fact, that I’ve finished my holy grail shade in “Chic”, repurchased, and am half way through it alongside my other shades “Classy” and “xyz”.
Lip liners are also just such an underrated makeup step, and such a perfect way to elevate your look to super chic very quickly.
Another multiple repurchase.
I’m going on about it because, not to be up myself, but I have a lot of lip products- and my lips get chapped to a silly degree, so I’m extra fussy too.
MECCA MAX X-ZIT STRATEGY Clarifying Mask, $25
This is a holy grail product for acne-prone skin. If you've been on the hunt for sulfur-based skincare, look no further!
The X-ZIT Strategy Clarifying Mask is packed with 5% sulfur, which works wonders for tackling breakouts.
Add lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and bamboo charcoal for oil absorption, and you've got yourself a mask that fights acne without drying you out.
And for those worried about that notorious sulfur smell, this mask is surprisingly smooth and doesn’t smell bad at all!
Pro-tip: It’s been compared to the pricier NIOD Flavanone Mask, but with zero stinging and all the acne-busting power.
MECCA MAX NIGHT DUTY Hydrating Overnight Jelly Mask, $25
Yes, it's called an overnight mask, but honestly, you can wear this jelly wonder anytime!
With a texture that's a dreamy mix between gel and cream, this mask delivers long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy.
Key ingredients like niacinamide (to regulate oil and brighten), ceramide NP (for barrier repair), and Sodium PCA (a hyaluronic acid alternative) make this a one-stop shop for plumped-up, glowing skin.
Hot tip: Wear it during the day for a hydration boost when your skin feels a little parched.
Mecca Max Off Duty Contour Stick, $20 & Off Duty Blush Stick, $20
Cream blushes are having a major moment, and the Blush Stick from Mecca Max is one of the best. It’s creamy, buildable, and blends beautifully into the skin for a fresh, natural flush.
Mecca Max Off Duty Contour Stick, $20
I also really enjoy how they lean cooler toned so provide a real contoured look.
Summing it up
Don’t discount Mecca Max as a fantastic pick to explore, they have a lower overall price point, low cost of entry- and frankly, lots of the hate is a little…sus.
Thanks for reading,
Minnie xx
